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(KMOV) – News 4 dug into the Illinois Governor’s travel itinerary after he was accused of abusing the right at the taxpayer’s expense.

Governor Pat Quinn promised the people of Illinois when he was elected that he would live in the Governor’s mansion in Springfield but now taxpayers are questioning that he spends more time away from the state’s capital.

Just five months ago, Governor Quinn insisted he was giving the legislature a lean budget that respected the financial crisis in Illinois government.

“This is the most difficult budget I have ever submitted to you but it’s also the most honest budget,” Governor Quinn said.

The Illinois Policy Institute reports Quinn spent one out of seven days actually working in the state capital from July 2012 to July 2013.

He also spent two out of three days in Springfield during the critical legislative session which means he rarely stayed the night at the governor’s mansion. He reportedly tells audiences he lives there.

Quinn stated “I live in the governor’s mansion to be clear.”

Former Governor Blagojevich lived in Chicago but Governor Edgar, Thompson and Ryan all spent more time at the mansion.

Even though Quinn rarely spends the night there, the governor’s mansion still costs taxpayers about $500,000 a year.

A makeover for the mansion is planned for later in the year which will cost about $300,000 more.

A representative from the Governor’s office was not available for comment.